Topic Contents

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for Genital Warts

Surgery Overview

The loop electrosurgical excision procedure
(LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to remove
genital warts by heating the margin of the area to be
removed, which separates the wart from the skin.

LEEP is done in a
doctor's office, clinic, or hospital on an outpatient basis. A
local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.

For women, abnormal cervical cell changes caused by HPV will be treated
differently than genital warts caused by HPV. Your doctor may recommend certain
types of surgery, such as LEEP. To learn more about surgical methods to
treat abnormal cell changes, see the topic
Abnormal Pap Test.

What To Expect After Surgery

Recovery time depends on the location
and number of warts removed. Most people will be able to return to normal
activities within 1 to 3 days after LEEP.

For men and women who have had LEEP, call your doctor if you have any of the
following:

Bleeding that lasts longer than 1
week

A fever

Severe pain

Bad-smelling or
yellowish discharge, which may point to an infection

Avoid sexual intercourse until the treated area heals and
the soreness is gone (usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size of the area
treated).

Why It Is Done

LEEP may be used to treat large,
external warts and warts on the cervix.

How Well It Works

LEEP may be as effective as other surgeries to remove warts, but scarring may occur. More research is needed to find out how well LEEP works.footnote 1

During LEEP, only a small amount of normal tissue
is removed at the edges of the wart tissue.

Risks

Bleeding is the most common side effect. But
typically LEEP causes less blood loss than laser treatment.

Scarring of the penis is a possible side effect that can result in
problems with urination or erection.

Infection does not occur
often and can be treated with antibiotics.

What To Think About

LEEP works best with large,
external warts or warts on the cervix.

Treating genital warts may
not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in the
body in an inactive state after warts are removed. A person treated for genital
warts may still be able to spread the infection. Condoms may help reduce the
risk of HPV infection.

The benefits and effectiveness of each type
of treatment need to be compared with the side effects and cost. Discuss this
with your doctor.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.